Promoting Cruise Tourism in the State, Gadkari launches the dream project in Mumbai

Promoting Cruise Tourism in the State, Gadkari launches the dream project in Mumbai

Mumbai, 8 August 2017: Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) on the occasion of “The Dawn of Cruise in India” encourages cruise tourism with the aim to boost tourism by captivating domestic and international travelers. The event inaugurated at the hands of Shri. Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Minister of Shipping, Government of India in the presence of Shri Jaykumar Rawal, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism Government of Maharashtra and along with other dignitaries from Indian Port Association and Mumbai Port Trust.

Cruise Tourism is the most vibrant and fastest developing modules of the leisure sector all across the globe. Over the years, Cruise Tourism has witnessed a growth and has become a dynamic component in the economic growth. Today, the sector offers diverse amenities than earlier and it has developed as advanced and exclusive in terms of services.

Commenting on the occasion Shri Jaykumar Rawal, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra stated, “We are pleased to be the homeport of choice for Cruise Tourism in India. The association with the shipping Ministry mutually assist to formulate policies to support Maharashtra’s position as a cruise hub. Therefore, there is huge potential for cruise tourism among domestic as well as international travelers. Cruise tourism will assist to earn huge foreign exchange and generate job opportunities, as it is a “Game Changer. Foreseeing the increase in demand in India, recently Italy’s Costa Cruise launched Costa Neo Classica from Mumbai to Maldives via Cochin. The sailing will start in the month of November 2017 and Costa Cruise Neo Classica can accommodate 1,700 passengers with 658 cabins. The opportunity will bring in new prospects and motivate to develop the cruise port which will create opportunities for international cruise liners and improve Cruise Tourism in India.”

India has a huge potential in cruise tourism with its rich natural resources. Similarly, Maharashtra’s richness will also play a key role in displaying MTDC’s efforts to promote cruise tourism and will cater to the passion of growing travelers.

Mumbai, Aug 8: Union Minister for Shipping, Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, today highlighted the huge potential for cruise tourism, particularly in view of the reforms undertaken by the Ministry of Shipping under the Sagarmala Project.

He made this observation after inaugurating a special event, ‘The Dawn of Cruise Tourism in India’, here. The Union Minister expressed confidence about the huge potential of cruise tourism and boost for economy, calling it as a ‘game-changer’ for domestic as well as international travellers.

Citing a report, he said that this initiative would gain potential revenue close to Rs 35,000 crore for all stakeholders and pointed out that promotion of cruise tourism will likely create over 2.50 lakh jobs. He further said that with this new initiative, the number of cruise ships visiting India could go up from 158 per year to 955 per year. He called for greater transparency, lesser red tapism and result-oriented time-bound target completion.

Mr Gadkari further highlighted that his Ministry was contemplating an idea on the use of methanol as marine fuel so as to bring down cost of operations and promote eco-friendly mode of transportation. Further, the Union Minister emphasised upon technology upgradation, reducing human interface with increased automation for smoother and effective service delivery. He also released a report on Roadmap for Sea cruise tourism, Mumbai Port SOP for Cruise Operations and cruise terminals in India on the occasion.